Authenticity Standards for the 275. Infanterie

If you haven't already noticed by reading through the rest of our site, the 275. Infanterie is different from other reenactment groups. We hold ourselves to extremely high standards, higher than some are willing to go. Here are a few of our basic guidelines.

-All members who normally wear eyeglasses must either obtain period frames or wear contacts. If you attend an event in modern eyewear, you will be asked to remove them. If you cannot function without eyewear you will not be allowed to handle a firearm.

-Airsoft guns are never permitted, ever.

-Cigarettes with filters are not allowed to be smoked while in your impression. Buy filterless cigarettes, or even better, smoke a pipe.

-Postwar boots of any type, "converted" or otherwise, are never allowed under any circumstances. If you attend an event with incorrect boots, you will be sent to the vendors to purchase appropriate footwear.

-Facial hair of any type is strictly forbidden. You will be told to shave if you come to an event with facial hair longer than 1/8 inch. In some cases, you will be allowed to attend an event with a few days' worth of stubble. Events in which this is allowed will be announced as such a week in advance.

-Members must get appropriate haircuts before events. This means short enough to keep the hair from touching the neck and ears. Ideally, members should get their hair cut in "Wehrmachtschnitt" style- long on top, shaved around the sides and back, and tapered to the nape of the neck. If you come to an event with an inappropriate haircut, you will be asked to go to a local barber and get it cut. If you are unwilling to do this, you may not participate with the 275. until you get a proper haircut.

-Converted Swiss, Swedish, East German, or other uniform items are not allowed under any circumstances, ever.

-Weapons must function safely and as designed with exception of MG-34 or 42 machine guns. All pistols, G-41 or G/K-43 rifles must be blank adapted and fully functioning. StG 44s, MG-34s or MG-42s may be semi-auto or fully automatic. MG-34s or MG42s may be dummy guns. All other weapons must function.

-Post war Gamaschen are never allowed under any circumstances. Good repros are cheap and easy to get.

-All breadbags must be of wartime style. No reinforced buttonholes, no internal dividers, and must bear pointed belt loops.

-Spanish helmets are not allowed, converted or otherwise. This one is self explanatory. High quality reproduction helmets are affordable and plentiful.

-Members are not to bring coolers, folding chairs, or other modern camping equipment to events.

-All members must have proper fitting uniforms. Sleeves are not to extend past the thumb bone, tunics should not be baggy, and trousers are to be worn high waisted. If your uniform does not fit properly, you will be asked to take it to a tailor and have it fitted.

-Incorrect post war mess tins are not allowed. All mess tins must be of proper dimensions, have proper bale lugs, and must have the correct handle in order to be used with this unit. Other mess tins will not be permitted. Please see http://www.dererstezug.com/kochgeschirr.htm if you are unsure what to look for in a mess tin.

-Y-Straps must have proper width straps and proper hardware.

-All food items consumed during the event must be of a type which existed on the front lines during WWII, exceptions will be made only in the case of a medical condition.

-Camouflage uniform items(Including but not limited to helmet covers, tunics, trousers, or smocks) are strictly forbidden. The only camouflage you may wear is your Zeltbahn.

-HBT Drillich uniforms are not permitted. Even if it is extremely hot, you will wear wool at every event.

-Members must be physically fit enough to keep up in combat. This means running, jumping, and traversing difficult terrain.

-Members must be able to understand German commands and basic conversation.